Might not sound that great, but having chosen to not practice law, I’ve been shut out of many opportunities thanks to the JD “resume stain” and a sluggish (at best) economy.

My new boss is a former boss. We parted ways after 8 years when he was made a judge and there was no space in his staff to bring me along. After seeing what he inherited, he told me that if there was ever an opening in his office, it was mine for the asking. Almost 5 years later, it’s finally happening. The pay is more than I now make and way better benefits. Add in the hope that PSLF is still around 10 years from now, and this job should carry me through to retirement, and should I want a change of pace, I could always see about a lateral move in the state.

Only 16 years and 11 months since finishing law school. The sun does shine on a dog’s anus every now and then.

State Jobs are pretty decent and competitive to get. There are judges with less years experience ironically but I do wish you the best with the job. It sounds like you have a good history and relationship with the judge, so that will help. Expect some of his staff who have been at THAT spot longer to get envy/jealousy if you two get along too good. Office politics suck no matter which office you are in.